SAL1 Rome Emperors

Braves Win Third Straight Behind Olague Gem

Published on May 4, 2019 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Rome Emperors News Release


LAKEWOOD, NJ - The Rome Braves matched their season-best with their third consecutive win on Saturday, defeating the Lakewood BlueClaws 2-1 and getting perhaps the team's best starting pitching performance of the season to date from Jose Olague.

The young right-hander from Monterrey, Mexico was brilliant on Saturday, firing 7 innings and allowing only one run while throwing 105 pitches. He recorded four strikeouts and did not issue a single walk. It was the longest outing by a Rome pitcher this season and certainly one of the finest.

For much of the afternoon Olague found himself embroiled in a pitcher's duel with Lakewood starter RHP Victor Santos, who retired the first 10 Rome hitters he faced. In a scoreless tie 0-0 in the 4th inning Lakewood outfielder Ben Pelletier pulled a solo homer over the fence in left, giving the Claws the 1-0 lead and briefly riling up the 5,000 in attendance at FirstEnergy Park.

After getting to Santos for nothing more than a bunt-single in the first 4 innings the Rome bats broke through in a game-altering rally in the 5th. Trey Harris leadoff the frame and was hit by a pitch. He moved to third base on a one out double by Griffin Benson. With two in scoring position Brendan Venter ripped a double off the left field wall to give the Rome Braves a 2-1 lead. It was the only offense they'd get on Saturday, but it was all they'd need.

Olague came out after 7 rock solid innings. Rome turned to RHP reliever Luis Mora in the 8th and he retired the side in order, recording two strikeouts. Rome got another save from RHP Lukas Young in the 9th inning. Despite allowing an infield single and a walk, Young sealed the victory and gave the Braves a three game winning streak. That ties Rome's longest streak of the season, when they also won three in a row from April 24th-26th.

Venter went 1-3 with a double, two RBI and a walk. Benson was 1-3 with a double, walk and a run scored. Harris was 0-2 with a walk, hit by pitch and a run scored. Justin Dean went 1-4 with a single and a stolen base.

Rome and Lakewood continue their four game series on Sunday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 pm from FirstEnergy Park. Rome will start RHP Trey Riley (0-4, 6.35) while Lakewood will send LHP Manuel Silva (0-0, 0.00) to the mound.

Rome (12-16): 2 R 5 H 0 E

Lakewood (9-20): 1 R 5 H 0 E

W: Jose Olague (2-3)

L: Victor Santos (2-2)

S: Lukas Young (4)

Time: 2:25

Attendance: 5,087

Check out the Rome Emperors Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from May 4, 2019


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